Dexter had already had two cocktails and was sipping on a third as they sat in front of the Christmas tree, working on wrapping last minute presents to Josiah's parents, toasting again and again to the most random things. "To your ever growing book collection." And Josiah laughed, because God knew that collection would never be complete. Dexter was pretty sure that every square shaped gift under the tree at his parents was for him. Dexter himself had gotten him two books that he had really enjoyed in years past, hopeful that Jo hadn't read them just yet. "And to rereading Game of Thrones before the Winds of Winter is released." And they clinked their glasses, taking a sip, Dexter smirking a little as Josiah crinkled his nose, either at the idea of rereading the books or the alcohol, he couldn't tell. "What about you?"

They had already run down the obvious things, being thankful for each other, for being in Denver, for family and friends. Dexter's mom was sleeping in a guest room upstairs, staying for a few days for Christmas. It was a gift that Josiah had given Dexter, who hadn't celebrated Christmas with his mom in 16 years and Dexter felt that joy deep in his soul, intermixed with a sorrow for all the Christmases he had missed. Josiah mulled over the question before saying, "To your hair growing back." And it was Dexter's turn to laugh, rubbing the growing stubble, shaking his head. He had shaved a few days before they left the Maldives, wanting to have a clean slate for the new year, and Josiah hadn't been thrilled with the surprise. "I won't cut it again for a while, okay?" But he knew it wouldn't stop the pouting, the playful remarks, and jokes about how never going baby face should have been in the prenup.

This last year had been full of ups and downs, but through all of it, Dexter had had Josiah. And he hadn't been the best husband by any means, with stupid fights, insecurity, worries, all intermixed into the year, but it had still been their year. The one they had gotten married in, the one that had brought them closer together as a couple, and in a lot of ways also secluded them. Dexter no longer worked at Hux & Hewes, and he hadn't yet decided what he was going to do for the start of next year. Travel more, maybe? Go back to school? Really look into starting some kind of business together? It was all up in the air. "It's your turn." And he blinked, realizing that Josiah and him had clinked glasses again, drank, and now he was waiting for him, securing tape on another package. "Oh. Uh, to the Beatles being on Spotify?" He shrugged at this one, smiling at Jo, and then leaned in to press a kiss to his lips instead of pressing their glasses together. "Was that the last package?" And when he nodded, Dexter got up, holding his hand out for him, helping him up.

Sliding things under their own tree, putting away their cups after dumping the last of their drinks, Dexter stopped at the bottom of the stairs to kiss Josiah again. This time it was slower, more purposeful, and he let his arms wrap around his frame, let those strong hands dig into his hips. "I love you. Merry Christmas." And Josiah said it back, softer, sweeter, because everything about him was just that. The softness to Dexter's rough edges, the thing that kept him sane. "Come on, let's go to bed, baby." And he let him lead him up the steps, knowing that tomorrow was going to be the best Christmas he was going to have in a long time.